Declining since 1990, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Karima since 1967
Babies named Karima per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 13 |
| 1970s | 389 |
| 1980s | 293 |
| 1990s | 324 |
| 2000s | 217 |
| 2010s | 157 |
| 2020s | 81 |
Meaning & origin
Karima entered the U.S. naming charts in 1967, during a period when Arabic and Muslim names were becoming more visible in American society. Its peak popularity came in 1976, though it never broke into the top tier of names. Since 1990, its usage has been falling, reflecting a broader trend away from less common names. Despite its low rank, Karima carries a clear and positive meaning of generosity, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with cultural and religious resonance. The name has remained steadily present in the U.S. data, appearing each year since its debut.
Karima is the feminine form of Karim, an Arabic name derived from the root k-r-m, meaning 'generous' or 'noble'. It is a common name across the Arabic-speaking and Muslim world, often used to reflect the attribute of generosity.
“Karima” around the world
Where Karima lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kari, Rima
Variants: Kareema, Kerima
Sibling names for Karima
Names that share Karima's style, for a brother or sister.
